Prevention is the new cure

This week sees Rare Diseases Day 2025 and to mark the moment, Steve and James speak with SMA UK boss Giles Lomax about spinal muscular atrophy and how we have the power to save lives. The pair also consider what is happening with the Government's Ten Year Plan, a worrying new piece of research from CRUK and look ahead to the NHS Winter crisis of 2026 - discuss! You can get in touch with the team via podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our social media channels.Note: Steve has worked in an advisory role with organisations who have an interest in both SMA and newborn screening, but the opinions expressed in this podcast which he presents are his own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, Steve and Sarah are joined by respected neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, from UCLH to talk about the prevention of dementia. In a thought provoking discussion, the pair discuss risk factors, lifestyle and of course the new drugs which promise a whole new chapter in the fight against Alzheimer's disease in particular. And Steve raises the thorny issue of mushrooms! Also covered this week; breast cancer and AI, a new health Minister and what is going on at NHSE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a leading psychiatrist and former Royal College of Psychiatrists president, dives deep into the complexities of the new Mental Health Bill. He emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reform and early intervention in mental health care. The conversation touches upon significant concerns, like excluding learning disabilities from protections and the balance between community safety and individual rights. Light moments include comparing puppies, adding a delightful twist to the serious dialogue.

Steve's Conservative / Lib-Dem coalition colleague, Norman Lamb, co-hosts the first episode of 2025. The pair talk NHS winter crisis, social care 'reform, drug consumption rooms and 'sickness to prevention'. Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media for feedback and suggestions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The original line-up returns as Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard joins Steve Brine for a Christmas special. We hear what Helen did next, talk cricket (!), healthcare in New Zealand and look back at 2024 in UK health and politics. And pod-surgery is back discussing caesarean births and soaring alcohol deaths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sarah Wollaston is a former MP and Chair of the Commons Health Select Committee. She joins Steve to discuss the fallout from MPs voting for the assisted dying / assisted suicide Bill last week, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) and it's a packed pod surgery. We also find out what wearable health vanity tech is on Steve's Christmas list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve's former Select Committee colleague, Labour MP Rachael Maskell, joins as co-host for this special episode which takes a deep dive into the most sensitive of subjects ahead of next week's key vote in the House of Commons. We also talk to Mark Brooks about men's health in this bumper length episode. Want to join the conversation? podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Bethell returns as Steve's guest co-host to review the Budget they previewed last time. Did they find it to be a prevention focused health special from Rachel Reeves or something less? They deep dive into the statement and also discuss the new NESTA report as well as Covid/Flu jabs. Want to join the conversation? Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first episode of the post-Helen era, Steve is joined by guest co-host (and fellow traveller) Lord James Bethell for the 'Prevention is the new cure' podcast focused on health and politics. The pair discuss the Ten Year Plan 'listening exercise' launched this week, prostate cancer, Ozempic and whether next week's Budget will be a moment grasped - or an opportunity missed - on prevention for Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Want to join the conversation? Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks two huge milestones, with the 40th episode of 'Prevention is the new cure' and (sadly) Helen's last appearance as co-host alongside Steve before heading to New Zealand to embark on her new journey in the health world. Health news hasn't been quiet though and Steve and Helen delve into some big stories related to assisted dying and ovarian cancer as well as welcoming special 'guest', Nikki Kanani, to hear about the NEKO pilot related early disease detection, Aneira and her role in women’s health. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.